High prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasmosis among stray cats in Iran

ObjectiveTo understand the prevalence of the hemotropic mycoplasmosis among stray cats.MethodsIn this research, 52 cats (30 queens and 22 toms) of different municipal regions of Tehran, the capital of Iran, were restrained and injected with tranquilizer. Peripheral blood samples were taken in order to detect blood parasites and taken blood smears were transferred to the parasitology laboratory, fixed by methanol and stained by Giemsa.ResultsAbout 32.7% of samples were positive for Mycoplasma spp. and some abnormalities were observed in leukocyte numbers.ConclusionsThere are some unclear aspects of hemotropic mycoplasmosis in Iran. This disease also has zoonotic importance. Therefore, some further researches are necessary to clarify the importance of the disease in different parts of Iran and its potential vectors.